Wind blocking device for buildings

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a device and method of manufacture of the device. The device includes frame system and a rigid panel adapted to selectively cover an opening of a walled structure. The frame system includes a top rail and two side rails that couple to the walled structure. Each rail consists of a pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped bends and an intermediate flat panel body method. An L-shaped member couples to the flat panel, cooperating with one L-shaped bend to form a U-shaped channel, which adapts to slideably receive a rigid panel member consisting of plexiglass. A bottom rail releasably couples to the two side-rails to hold the rigid panel in place and allows for rapid installation and removal as needed.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.11/679,074 filed on 26 Feb. 2007, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/779,225 filed on 3 Mar. 2006 bythe common inventor James D. Claywell. Both applications areincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to devices and systems adaptedto provide supplemental protection to structures such as houses,mobile-homes, commercial buildings and the like. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a wind blocking or re-directing device andsystem for buildings.

High winds exert tremendous strain on structures. Both sustained windsand the more common undulating winds conspire to weaken buildings andstructures such as the walls and roofs of houses, mobile-homes, andcommercial buildings. Over time, or under extreme wind conditions,catastrophic failure is induced. During a hurricane, such as the recentHurricane Katrina experienced along the gulf-coast of the United Statesin 2005, fierce winds devastated structures large and small. On thewindward side of a structure during high-wind conditions, the verticalwalls of the structure receive massive lateral forces. These verticalwalls, designed for vertical loads, often fail under such extremeconditions. Further exasperating the situation, a pressure differencebuilds, the exterior, windward side of the vertical wall has a relativeeffective high atmospheric pressure, where as the interior side, leewardof the wind has a relative effective low atmospheric pressure. Thiscauses a great imbalance in forces, resulting in collapse.

In addition, as high-winds collide with the vertical walls, some of theair-flow is directed around the structure, some air-flow finds voidsthat lead inside the structure, but the bulk of the flow is directedupward toward the roof. Eaves or overhangs, typical to roofs to providesun-shade and protect the walls from moisture penetration from rain,serve as unwitting air-traps for this upward directed high-flow ofdisplaced air. Consequently, the roof acts as a giant airfoil and isripped from the vertical walls.

Traditional approaches to mitigate the destructive force of high windsfocus on adding additional structural supports to the connecting pointsbetween walls, roof, and foundation. These methods require integrationduring the building phase, and therefore offer limited solution forexisting buildings.

Other methods include a supplemental system of ground anchors, externalsupports, and external strapping material—and although these systems canbe used on existing structures—however, these approaches are not withoutinherent undesirable limitations including being difficult to installduring the on-set of severe wind, cumbersome to manipulate, requirestorage space when not in use, and are costly to produce and install,for example.

One known prior-art system includes a shutter system and methoddescribed by Fullwood in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,031 issued on 24 Aug. 1999.

The Fullwood system consists of a shutter with securing means forselectively locking a shutter panel to a structure, the securing meansconsists of a key-device adapted to engage a bolt and thread formerwherein the bolt-receiving thread locates in a frame member or channelcoupled to the dwelling structure. To assist with alignment, the boltengages a pre-threaded frame, which positions in surroundingrelationship to the window opening. The frame may also be on anypreselected side, top, or bottom of such an opening. The shutter panelis secured to a centerless thread 19 in the thread forming portion atthe edge of the enclosure and preferably secured by means of a threadedfastener. Further, the frame member has a thread former at the interioredge extending from the mounting plate and contains a centerless threadmade up of opposed ridges and grooves. Ideally, the opposed ridges andgrooves are opposite each other to therefore provide a linear receiptfor a helical thread on the mounting fastener. One limitation of thisprior-art system includes the complexity and associated cost of theframe member with threaded elements disposed thereon. It would beadvantageous for an improved system to include such a frame that is moreeconomical to produce and install, yet still enable quick mounting of arigid panel to a structure.

Another exemplary prior-art system includes a shutter assembly for stormand security protection disclosed by Kirk in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/193651published on 8 Sep. 2005. Kirk describes a decorative panel adjacent toan opening on a dwelling-structure, the decorative panel is offset fromthe plane of the opening by means of a frame structure coupled to thedwelling. The decorative panel obscures a security panel thatselectively closes across the opening. The Kirk system offers anelegant, albeit costly, solution for temporary positioning storm panelsin front of an opening on a dwelling while providing for permanentmounting of the panels by means of a frame. When the security panel isin the open position, it is obscured by the decorative panel. Onelimitation of the Kirk system, however, is the complexity ofinteractions of components and the associated cost to produce andinstall. It would be advantageous to devise a simpler system that iseasy to install and economical to produce and purchase, yet provideadequate protection and security to openings on a temporary basis.

Yet another exemplary prior-art system includes an aluminum/plasticcombination accordion storm shutter blade described by Trundle in U.S.Pat. No. 6,546,681 issued on 15 Apr. 2003. Trundle discloses acombination blade of aluminum hinges and shatter resistant transparentplastic web used to replace metal blades of accordion storm shuttersused to protect glass windows and doors in homes, office building, andother walled structures from the destructive force of storm systems.

In sum, the many prior-art systems, teachings, and devices attempt toaugment the structural strength of the buildings. These methods,however, have not addressed diverting or redirecting the force of thewind. Therefore, there remains a need for a system and method thatenhances structural integrity of buildings during high-wind conditions,while at the same time redirect the destructive force of the wind.

Flying debris, another damage-causing component of high-wind storms,poses a particular challenge to home-owners and business-owners becausemany of the prior-art systems fail to fully address the needs of arapidly deployable, rigid, economical, light-weight, and strong systemthat provides sufficient protection. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos.5,613,543 to Walton and 6,341,455 to Gunn along with PublishedApplication Number US 2005/0279465 by Gower (all of which areincorporated by reference for all purposes) provide examples of theseapproaches.

Finally, current systems do not adequately secure the dwelling orstructure from looting. Even if a structure or dwelling is adequatelyprotected from the destructive brute-strength of high-velocity winds andis protected from flying debris, current systems do not provide meansfor securing the structure or dwelling from looting. The most commonrigid-panel system comprises a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of plywood orsimilar material, which is coupled to the dwelling or structure by ascrew-type fastener having a common single slot or cross-slot head.Moreover, this system, further, is undesirable because it introducesnumerous penetration points into the envelope of the structure that mayaccelerate deterioration of the structure in the long-term due tomoisture penetration.

More recently, an attempt to protect structures from the wind includesU.S. Pat. No. 6,088,975 titled “Hurricane Protection for Mobile Homesand Small Buildings”. This reference, issued to Wiegel on 18 Jul. 2000,presents a solution to prior art and traditional reinforcement methodsof extra nails, stiffener boards, metal straps, storm shutters, shatterresistant windows, and foundation bolts. This reference presents asystem to protect a structure from wind buffeting using a systemcomprising an in-ground channel about the perimeter of a structure, astorm-shield of rip-stop material with tie-down cables extending from aroof edge to the perimeter ground channel. This reference combines theadvantages of cable-tie down systems of the prior art withwind-shielding elements to divert airflow, blocking wind from the groundand re-directing it over the house. However, this reference requires apermanent in-ground perimeter channel and complex tie-down mechanismsand fasteners to affect wind protection. Moreover, when not in use, thesystem is rolled up and left under the awnings of the roof. Further, thesystem is temporary in nature, as it would be impractical for normal useof the structure.

Therefore, there remains a need for a system, method, and a device thatenables either enables rapid deployment on a temporary basis, or can beintegrated in new construction or retrofitted on existing structures asa lasting solution to divert wind. Such a device and system should beeasy to install, be compact to store, and be economical to produce. Thenew system, method, and devices, further, should reduce or eliminateun-sealed penetration of the exterior skin of the dwelling or structure.Such a system, ideally, would further include locking means to thwartlooters from removing the protection device. Moreover, there remains aneed for a system and method that enables normal use of the structurewith little or no modification to the protection system as ittransitions from non-use to use in protecting the structure from winds,debris, or both.

DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a first step of a method according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second step of a method according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third step of a method according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth step of a method according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth step of a method according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sixth step of a method according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a seventh step of a method according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a device made in accordance with a first methodof a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an end view along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a device of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention attached to a walled structure.

FIG. 11 is a rigid panel component of the device of a first preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded assembly view of a system according to onepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Possible embodiments will now be described with reference to thedrawings and those skilled in the art will understand that alternativeconfigurations and combinations of components may be substituted withoutsubtracting from the invention. Also, in some figures certain componentsare omitted to more clearly illustrate the invention.

The present invention contemplates the disclosure of the parentapplication, number 11/679,074 filed on 26 Feb. 2007: Accordingly, theentire disclosure is incorporated by reference as if fully set forthherein.

The present invention describes an economical-to-produce andeasy-to-install simple system for temporarily protecting an opening on awalled structure. The preferred embodiments of the present inventionimprove upon well-known prior-art attempts to provide suitableprotection from damaging wind and flying debris during severe weatherevents. The advantages of the present invention include simplemechanical components that are easy to produce and easy to install,especially when compared to known systems.

One key aspect of the present invention is a frame system formed fromflat sheet metal. The advantage of this frame system include economicalmaterials that are readily available and easy to produce inmass-quantities in a factory or can readily be produced in the fieldusing off-the shelf sheet metal.

This system, therefore, is extremely affordable for every home-owner andinnovates over the known prior-art, which teaches complicated assembliesthat are costly to produce and difficult to install, and further, cannotbe formed in the field—unlike the present invention.

One preferred embodiment, accordingly, includes an improved rigid panelsystem adapted for use on walled structure having an opening 28 (of FIG.10, for example), the improved rigid panel system 40 comprises athree-sided frame structure (the frame structure comprises one or moreframe rails generally depicted as rail 23 in the figures, morespecifically, a top rail 30, a left side rail 32 and a right side rail34) coupled to the walled structure; a selectively removable bottompanel (rail 36) adapted to selectively couple to the three-sided framestructure; and at least one rigid panel member 38 adapted to slideablyfit within an area defined by the three-sided frame structure and beingreleasably secured therein by means of selectively coupling the bottompanel to the three-sided frame structure.

The frame structure comprises a top frame rail 30, a left-side framerail 32, and a right side frame rail 34. Each of these three railscouples directly to the walled structure in a conventional manner usingknown fastening techniques such as screws, for example. The three-sidedframe can be secured more permanently with adhesives, fasteners andsealers. Or, alternatively, the system 40 may be selectively coupled andde-coupled using re-usable fasteners (such as wood screws) as desired bythe owner of the walled structure. The top rail further couples to eachrespective side-rail. For example, bolts or rivets—depending on thepermanency desired, would work to fasten the frame members to eachother.

One key feature of this preferred embodiment includes each frame memberbeing formed from a flat sheet of metal (sheet metal), such as 20-gaugegalvanized steel sheet metal (aluminum could be used, but presently costconsiderations may make it less desirable). Similarly, other materialsincluding metals and plastics and wood could be substituted for thesheet metal material of the preferred embodiment.

For example, the top frame rail 30 (or as generally described as rail 23in FIGS. 8 and 9) is formed from a piece of sheet metal 14 slightlylonger than the opening on the walled structure. The sheet metal couldbe of any width, ideally about 12-inches wide in a first preferredembodiment; then, at each corner of the flat sheet, a rectilinear pieceof material 18 is removed and discarded. The dimensions of thisrectilinear piece are approximately 1-inch by 1-inch. Next the flatsheet 16 is folded at an imaginary line connecting the corners of theflat sheet so that each side of the flat sheet is bent inward at a 90degree angle. This inward bend at each side of the flat sheet providesfunctionality—for example, one of the inward bends will serve as themounting surface to couple the frame member to the walled structure,while the other bends will serve as attaching points to the other framemembers, or will serve as a channel wall (as subsequently described).This results in a rail body 20. The rail body could be used for a top,side, or bottom member as subsequently described. In a second preferredembodiment, the side rail bodies are formed from an flat sheet that hastwo right angle corners and an angled cut opposite the right-angledcorners. In this manner, the side rails would from an angled rail member(as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, for example). In another embodiment, theside rails are formed from a rectilinear sheet with four right anglecorners, resulting in a straight rail where the panel member arrangesgenerally parallel to the walled structure (not shown in the drawing).

Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the top rail (or any rail member)begins from a flat sheet 12 from a roll of sheet metal 10 that is cut towidth and length as desired to create the flat body member 14. The flatbody has its corners 18 removed and its edges turned about 90-degreesupward forming the rail body 20 (of FIG. 6, for example). Thisthree-dimensional member 20 consists of a flat body and at least a firstend formed at an about 90-degree downward angle to the flat sheet and asecond, oppositely positioned end formed at about a 90-degree downwardangle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end aresubstantially parallel to each other; and the left-side and right sideframe rails each further comprising a first end formed at approximately90-degrees inward bend from the flat sheet and a second end formed atabout a 90-degree inward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first endand second end are substantially parallel to each other.

At least one channel 24 is formed on the interior of at least one framerail 23. Accordingly, the improved rigid panel system 40 furtherincludes at least one frame rail 23 further comprising an L-shapedmember 22 arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet andsubstantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form agenerally U-shaped channel 24 defined by the L-shaped member, the flatsheet body member and the first end.

More preferably, the frame structure includes a channel on each framerail of the three. Thus, the improved rigid panel system furtherincludes the left side and right side frame rails having an L-shapedmember arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantiallyparallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shapedchannel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member andthe first end, respectively. The L-shaped member is welded at aboutevery 6-8 inches along the length of the rail.

Finally, a selectively coupling bottom rail 36 provides support for therigid panel. The bottom frame rail comprises a flat sheet body member, afirst end formed at an about 90-degree upward angle to the flat sheetand a second, oppositely positioned end formed at about a 90-degreeupward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end aresubstantially parallel to each other. Additionally, the bottom railfurther comprises an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of theflat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail toform a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, theflat sheet body member and the first end.

Conventional fastening means, such as number-10 stainless-steel screws,couple the various components (i.e. frame rails) to the walled structurein a first preferred embodiment. Other conventional fastening meansincluding fasteners (nails, bolts, screws and the like) or adhesives,caulking agents and the like are also contemplated in alternativeembodiments. With particular attention to the bottom rail, a pair ofoppositely positioned pins selectively couple the bottom rail to eachrespective vertical side rail. The bottom rail is further coupled to thewalled structure using the conventional fastening means just discussed.Of course bolts or a lock or other conventional coupling devices may beused in lieu of pins.

In the first preferred embodiment the rigid panel member 38 consists ofa nominal about ½-inch thick clear shatter-proof plastic (such asPlexiglass brand acrylic sheet). In other embodiments colored acrylicsheets, glazed or otherwise ornamented sheets may be substituted. In yetother embodiments a plywood panel may be used. In one preferredembodiment a ⅜-inch thick bullet proof, transparent, acrylic sheet isused to further protected the openings of the walled structure fromflying debris during a storm, looters, or other unwanted entry.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame rails extend about 6-inches toabout 12 inches from a mean-surface defined by the walled structure.This off-set is desirable to enable the rigid panel member to deflectupon impact without causing damage to the protected opening (i.e. aglass window). This distinction is important, for many of the known,prior-art devices mount close to the walled structure and place theprotective panel in close proximity to the underlying opening (i.e.glass window) and there is no deflection zone. Accordingly, the presentinvention uses a combination of the stiffness inherent in the rigidpanel (acrylic sheet) plus a deflection zone—it being well understoodthat a large panel member regardless of material will deflect to somedegree prior to failure depending on the material properties anddimensions of the panel.

Securing means include a locking lug bolt having a threaded end and anoppositely arranged head with a key-feature. A mating key-device insertsinto the key feature, thus enabling a standard socket wrench to tightenor loosen the fastener. Thus, the present invention includes a securingmeans for selectively locking the block-shield to the structure, thesecuring means comprising a key-device adapted to engage alock-mechanism and wherein the key-device comprises a socket plug havinga uniquely shaped pattern adapted to mate to the lock-mechanism whereinthe lock-mechanism comprises a lug-bolt having the same pattern on ahead.

One securing means contemplated in a preferred embodiment includes athumb-screw 44 and barrel nut 42 (of FIG. 12). The barrel nut is firstcoupled to the bottom rail 36 and the thumb-screw inserts in a receivinghole in the side rail. Thus, the bottom rail can be quickly and easilycoupled to the pair of opposing side rails without requiring any tools.It will be appreciated that this feature enables a home-owner to quicklyslide in and retain the rigid panels into the three-sided frame systemwithout requiring tools. Thus, in storm-threatened areas, a walledstructure would first be pre-mounted with three-sided frame structures(one for each opening) wherein the frame structure comprised a top railand two side rails. These rails are screwed into the walled structure.Then, as needed for security or to protect against storm damage at alater time, the home-owner simply slides in the temporary rigid panels,fits the bottom rail, and twists the thumb-screws.

In another embodiment, the system includes a plurality of block shieldswhereby a first block shield couples to a second, adjacent block shieldby interlinking the respective frame elements. Fasteners, such as nutsand bolts, are readily available for use to interlink adjacent panels.

In another embodiment the present invention contemplates a system forprotecting a structure from debris during a windstorm, the systemcomprises a block-shield comprising at least one rigid panel. The rigidpanel further includes a resilient deformable material. For example, asimple form of the rigid panel consists of a traditional 4′×8′ plywoodsheet of most nominal thicknesses including about ¼″ to about ¾″ thick.A preferred embodiment contemplates a simple, rectilinear panel:However, other sizes, shapes, thicknesses and materials would workequally well. For example the material selection includes orientedstrand board (OSB), aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, or plastic materialsof varying thicknesses. The shape may be altered as well. A modulardesigned system includes various shapes from a standard set, but acustomized system that is designed to a structure-specific configurationwould work equally well.

The rigid panels are arranged in various relationships to the structure.In one embodiment, the rigid panel mounts under a roof eave, or othersimilar overhang, at an angle with respect to the structure's verticalsidewall to divert wind from lifting the horizontal roof eave. Inanother embodiment, a relatively flat rigid panel mounts generallyparallel to the outside wall of the structure and slides along a trackfrom a first storage position on the structure selected to stackmultiple panels out of the sight line of windows and doors, yet slideacross selective parts of the side wall or the entire facade of thestructure as necessary. In yet another embodiment, a rigid panel mountsat an angled position relative to the vertical side wall and covers aportion of the sidewall, while also diverting wind from under the roofoverhang.

Cooperating with these aforementioned embodiments, a securing meansadapts to selectively couple and secure the panel to the structure.Alternatively, the securing means includes typical fasteners adapted foruse for mounting to foundation walls of concrete, or to stud-walls ofwood or metal studs.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes an attaching meansfor selectively and releasably coupling the block shield to thestructure, the attaching means comprising a first generally U-shapedchannel element having an open top, the first U-shaped channel elementadapted to couple to the structure and support the block shield at abottom edge of the rigid panel. One possible embodiment contemplatesusing a combination of smaller and larger channel elements, for example.The U-shaped channel element selectively mounts to the structure toorientate the open portion opposite the panel-engaging surface asrequired for a bottom or top use. The channel element has a pair ofoppositely facing sidewalls, a front wall and a back wall. A pluralityof fastener slots are included on both walls to facilitate installationof the channel on the structure. Further, symmetrical channels furtherenhance the modularity of the system, requiring fewer separatecomponents and enhancing the ease and speed of installation. Thefastener slots are also useful for securing individual panels in place,or for inserting fasteners as hard stops to prevent individual panelsfrom being positioned out of place on the structure or for falling offthe channel.

In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of rigid panels coupletogether. Accordingly a first rigid panels hingeably couples to anadjacent, second panel element in an accordion-like manner whereby thefirst panel adapts to selectively rotate about 180-degress to fold overthe adjacent panel or alternatively align with the adjacent panel in asingle plane.

In another embodiment individual panels adapt to selectively andreleasable couple to adjacent panels using fasteners whereby the panelsystem forms an interlinked system of the plurality of panel elements toselectively configure to protect a selected feature of the structure.

A block shield system consisting of a first channel element installed asa retaining means for the top edge of a rigid panel and a second channelelement installed on a structures as a bottom edge support. The topchannel element includes either a continuous channel or a plurality ofindividual elements arranged in sufficient proximity to an adjacentchannel to ensure that panels are adequately supported for the featuresbeing protected. Likewise, the bottom channel elements are similarlyadapted.

Two additional embodiments of the present invention including a blockshield system having a rigid panel member held between a bottom channelelement using the tensile characteristics of the resiliently deformablepanel. A top support element, such as angle bracket element or anothersecuring means readily retains the upper edge of the panel.

In another embodiment, the rigid panel elements include an anchoringmeans adapted to releasably couple to the block shield, the anchoringmeans comprising a ground-penetrating conduit described above.

In another embodiment, the block shield system further includes ananchoring means adapted to selectively couple to the structure, theanchoring means comprising a bar-element adapted to engage the attachingmeans.

In yet another embodiment, the block shield system includes a rigidpanel system to protect the structure from flying debris during asevere-weather event and a wind-diverting means to re-direct airflowaround the structure, particularly when the structure has overhangs thatwould act as airfoils during a wind-storm. In this embodiment the systemincludes a block-shield comprising a rigid panel system comprising afirst panel member and a second panel member, each respective panelmember further comprising a rectilinear sheet material formed from aresilient material and comprising a generally planar face, a bottom edgearranged generally perpendicular to the face and a top edge opposite thebottom edge; a securing means adapted to selectively engage theblock-shield; an attaching means comprising a first channel elementcoupled to the structure, the first channel element cooperating with thestructure to form a U-shaped channel with an open top whereby the opentop adapts to selectively receive the bottom edge of the first panel andwhereby the bottom edge is supported by the channel element, theattaching means further comprising a second channel element coupled tothe structure, the second channel element cooperating with the structureto form a U-shaped channel with an open bottom whereby the first panelis retained in position relative to the structure by a sidewall of thesecond channel element; and an angled support means coupled to theexterior wall of the structure and to the overhang, the angled supportmeans further comprising means for coupling to the second panel member.

Further, this embodiment contemplates that the system includes thesecuring means having a key-device adapted to engage a lock-mechanismand wherein the key-device comprises a socket plug having a uniquelyshaped pattern adapted to mate to the lock-mechanism wherein thelock-mechanism comprises a lug-bolt having the same pattern on a head.

Alternatively, this embodiment configures to include a securing meanscomprising a plurality of vertically arranged bar-elements adapted toselectively engage in the first and second channel elements. The barelements cooperate with panels to add additional strength to the panelby incorporating a fastener that couples the bar to the panel. Forexample, a rigid-panel couples to a bar at a mid-point on the bar usinga fastener. The bottom end of the bar pivotably mounts to the bottomchannel and the top end of the bar couples to the overhang of thestructure, for example.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a block-shieldsystem consisting of a privacy screen that adapts to divert wind. In anupright and generally vertical position, the privacy screen serves as afence next to a house, for example. At the onset of a severe windstorm,a user rotates a vertical structural element to an oblique angle awayfrom the prevailing wind. Accordingly, the privacy screen pivots awayfrom the wind to act as a foil, diverting the airflow upwards (and overthe structure).

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, thewind-diverters include a structural integrity improvement for buildingsusing angled support arms of varying configurations. A structuralintegrity improvement for buildings, the improvement comprises angledblock elements for insertion under overhangs of buildings whereby theangled-block elements attach to the building. The structural integrityimprovements include a frame member having an angled support arm and twoarms at a right angle, the three arms form a triangle. The angled blockelements, ideally, are pre-configured in a set of discrete sizes thatcan be combined together. Thus, the set, of limited number, can becombined and configured in a large number of combinations depending onthe particular need of a given application. In one embodiment, theangled block member comprises a wood frame with sheet-material, such asplastic or canvas, for example, adhered using an adhesive. In anotherembodiment the frame is a wire frame. In yet another embodiment thesheet material is rigid, such as wood. The angled block mounts orcouples to a structure by adhesive or by fasteners.

One advantage of the present system is that it can be quickly configuredat the installation location using widely available materials. Forexample, plastic sheet material, banding straps and commercial adhesivesare readily available from major home and building supply stores.Moreover, these readily available materials are easily manipulated usingcommon tools. Thus, the system of the present invention can be quicklyinstalled prior to a windstorm, for example. In this embodiment thewind-blocker comprises a sheet material, an adhesive, a coupling elementand a tensioning element comprising a banding strap.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the present invention contemplates anefficient and easily installation process for a homeowner or businessowner and, accordingly, the block-shield system includes a panel systemof a plurality of generally rectilinear, rigid panels formed from asemi-resilient material such as pressboard, plywood, plastic, carbonfiber, aluminum or other similar sheet-like materials that will resistpenetration from flying debris during a windstorm, yet be sized andweighted so that a single user or two-person team can easily handle andinstall the panels immediately prior to or during a weather emergency.The resiliency of the panel material enables the one or two-person workcrews to snap panels into the attaching means (such as the U-shapedchannel elements described elsewhere in this disclosure). Individualpanel elements can selectively couple together by fasteners commonlyused and understood by persons skilled in this art. In one alternativeembodiment, the plurality of panels are free-standing with respect toeach other and are not coupled together. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the panels are hingeably coupled together in two, three, orfour pieces, although other multiples would work as well. In thishinge-arrangement, multiple panels can fold and stack to minimize spacewhen not used. In yet another embodiments, the panel elements may becoupled by a membrane that would act like a hinge element or as anexpanding member similar to panels in an accordion door.

For example, the block-shield system according to the present inventionadapts to install over the exterior surface of a structure such as ahouse, store, warehouse or other similar building having at least onevertical exterior wall and a roof structure. The building may or may nothave overhangs, such as the roof or windows or balconies. Theblock-shield system includes one or more panel elements that areselectively placed over the exterior of the structure using attachingmeans that are placed or coupled to the structure ahead of time.

In certain embodiments, the block-shield system includes a plurality ofpanels sufficient to cover entire exposures of a structure and includespanels to cover every exterior surface. However, in other embodiments,the system may be selectively applied to the exposure of the structuremost susceptible to weather-related damage during a storm. Further, inother embodiments specific panels may be selectively applied only overwindow openings, doors, or to protect overhanging elements, such asunder roof eaves.

One possible attaching means comprises a system of generally U-shapedchannel bracket elements with three sidewalls forming a rectilinearchannel with one open side. The channel elements further include aplurality of through holes periodically spread over at least one of thesidewalls and adapted to allow standard fasteners, such as wood screwsor nails, to pass therethrough and thus couple or attach the channelelements to an exterior surface of the structure. These channel elementsmay be incorporated into new structures at the design stage, or can beadded as a retro-fit to existing structures. The channel elements can bemade from steel, aluminum, wood, or plastic, for example, as long asthey are sturdy enough to support several panel elements. Ideally, thechannel elements are installed, attached, or coupled to the structurewell-in-advance of any inclement weather. Then, during a weather event,the panel elements are simply arranged on the channel elements andlocked or snapped into place.

An alternative embodiment of the block shield system according to thepresent invention contemplates a combination of modular, standardizedpanel elements with a custom panel elements configured for a corner ofthe structure. A plurality of angle elements are pre-positioned andcoupled to the structure and, when needed the standard and custom panelelements arrange on the angled elements to divert wind from under aneave or other overhang.

In certain embodiments the channel elements need to be sufficiently wideto allow several stacked panels to be supported simultaneously. Thus thestacked panels can be temporarily stored in an out-of-the-way segment ofthe exterior of the structure and then simply slid into place whenneeded to protect the full length of the structure from the weatherevent

Although the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in form and detail may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention

1-18. (canceled)
 19. An improved rigid panel system adapted for use onwalled structure having an opening, the improved rigid panel systemcomprising: a three-sided frame structure coupled to the walledstructure; a selectively removable bottom panel adapted to selectivelycouple to the three-sided frame structure; and at least one rigid panelmember adapted to slideably fit within an area defined by thethree-sided frame structure and being releasably secured therein bymeans of selectively coupling the bottom panel to the three-sided framestructure.
 20. The improved rigid panel system of claim 19 wherein: thethree-sided frame structure comprises a top frame rail, a left-sideframe rail, and a right side frame rail wherein the top respective framerail comprises a flat sheet body member; the top frame rail furtherhaving a first end formed at an about 90-degree downward angle to theflat sheet and a second, oppositely positioned end formed at about a90-degree downward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end andsecond end are substantially parallel to each other; and the left-sideand right side frame rails each further comprising a first end formed atapproximately 90-degrees inward bend from the flat sheet and a secondend formed at about a 90-degree inward angle to the flat sheet whereinthe first end and second end are substantially parallel to each other.21. The improved rigid panel system of claim 20 wherein: at least oneframe rail further comprises an L-shaped member arranged on an interiorside of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of theframe rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shapedmember, the flat sheet body member and the first end.
 22. The improvedrigid panel system of claim 20 wherein the left side and right sideframe rails each further comprise an L-shaped member arranged on aninterior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long endof the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by theL-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end,respectively.
 23. The improved rigid panel system of claim 19 wherein:the bottom frame rail comprises a flat sheet body member, a first endformed at an about 90-degree upward angle to the flat sheet and asecond, oppositely positioned end formed at about a 90-degree upwardangle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end aresubstantially parallel to each other.
 24. The improved rigid panelsystem of claim 23 wherein the bottom rail further comprises: anL-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet andsubstantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form agenerally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flatsheet body member and the first end.
 25. The improved rigid panel systemof claim 19 wherein: the panel member comprises at least one transparentacrylic panel material.
 26. A method for protecting an opening of awalled structure, the method comprising: providing a first flat sheet ofmetal having a flat body and a first length that is longer than thewidth of the opening on the walled structure; removing at least onecorner segment of the flat sheet; bending at least one edge of the flatsheet downward to form a 90-degree angle from the flat body; providingan L-shaped member; coupling the L-shaped member to the flat sheet toform a channel with the downward bent edge; bending a second edge of theflat sheet downward to form a second 90 degree angle from the flat body;coupling the second edge to the walled structure; providing a second andthird flat sheet of metal and forming the second and third flat sheetsinto side rails, each side rail having an associated channel; providinga bottom rail; providing a panel member; coupling the side rails to thewalled structure; sliding the panel member between the side rails usingthe respective channels to locate panel member and inserting a top edgeof the panel member into the corresponding channel on the top rail formfrom the first flat sheet; and coupling the bottom rail to each siderail to retain the panel member in place relative to the opening. 27.The method of claim 26 further comprising: forming a 3-member framestructure comprising a top rail and a left side rail and a right siderail for slideably receiving a rigid panel and locating the rigid panelsufficiently distant from the opening of the walled structure so thatany deflection of the panel will not cause the panel to contact thewalled structure or cross the plane of the opening.